The Habitat, Turtle Beach, Kosgoda by Asia Leisure

Planted deep in the heart of the sleepy Turtle Beach in Kosgoda, 90-KM from the rush-and-race of cosmopolitan Colombo, waking up in ‘The Habitat’ is like getting a honey-coloured bear hug.

Best Known For

Knitted around the drowsy beauty of a little coastal village steeped in windswept tropical charm, ‘The Habitat’ oozes a back-to-nature’s-bolthole feeling. Between crab dinners on the beach, turtle-espying walks, quaint beach strolls, scenic village explorations and ruby sunsets from the balcony, a vacation at this hideaway is filled with kaleidoscopic days.

The Experience

Clad in mellow hues and soft lighting, each room at this boutique hotel in Kosgoda is tastefully appointed to create an euphoria-inducing stay. Turtle paintings adorn the walls, establishing a connection with the miles of sandy beaches that are the hidey-hole of the evasive sea turtle. Each room opens onto a private balcony furnished with furniture, which affords views of the sweeping beaches. Rooms offer facilities like modern bathroom fittings, mini bar and safety locker.

‘Salt’, the main restaurant offers local and international dishes whilst ‘Teppan’ whips up Japanese gastronomic delights. ‘Moonu’, the bar at this luxury beach hotel mixes up jazzy flavours that hit all the high notes. If looking to steal some of Sri Lanka’s culinary secrets, sign up for a cookery demonstration and bask in the making of dishes like Crab Curry and Coconut Sambol.

One can simply while away hours at the gorgeous swimming pool tucked in the tremendously beautiful tropical gardens. For a soothing massage fix, check into the hotel’s Balinese Ayurveda Spa.

Around and About

Fabled for the delicate, elusive sea turtle that crawl to its moonlit beaches, the quiescent coastal village of Kosgoda is the epitome of a serene summer vacation. The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project that offers a cradle for the turtle hatchlings is the gem of the hamlet. Cruising the Madu Ganga River, surfing in Bentota and exploring the quiet beaches of Ahungalla are a few activities to do in the area.

As the moon en-silvers the ocean, tiny turtles furtively steal to the beach. You watch mesmerized, shut in with the sea and stars.